Opposition rapped for using unions for their own interest

&#147;The Opposition were involved in protests in June this year and were using
the MTUC for their vested interests,&#148; he said when winding-up debate on
the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2007.
<p>He said the protest was over the RM900 minimum wage and a Cola allowance of
RM300.</p>
<p>He said the Government was not deaf to requests for a minimum wage but that
it was impractical to set a minimum for all industries.</p>
<p>&#147;We have set a minimum wage for some industries since 1983 including for
port workers and store helpers.</p>
<p>&#147;Right now, we are studying proposals to set a minimum wage for clinic
assistants and security guards.</p>
<p>&#147;So there is no need to be worried or doubtful that the Government does
not care about these workers,&#148; he said.</p>
<p>Abdul Rahman said a RM1,200 minimum wage could not be set for domestic helpers
as it would burden those who do not earn much.</p>
<p>Kota Baru MP Datuk Zaid Ibrahim suggested that the matter on the minimum wage
for maids be studied further since there was opposition from countries like
Indonesia.</p>
<p>Abdul Rahman said MTUC would lose if it pulled out of the tripartite negotiations
with the ministry and employers.</p>
<p>The Bill was passed.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/30/parliament/18733999&amp;sec=parliament</i>